Every now and again, the Atlantic puts on a bit of a show—a flick of the fin, a thunderous splash, or a gentle roll above the waves. Early one July morning, with the sun just peeking over the horizon and a fresh salt tang in the air, Johnathan made his presence known along the southern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
It was June 30th when Johnathan was first seen in Mobile Bay. The water shimmered beneath him, silver with sunlight and alive with capelin darting beneath the surface. Those watching from shore may have caught a glimpse of his dark back arching smoothly or the white whisper of his breath mingling with the mist.
By July 18th, Johnathan had drifted northward, favouring the broad sweep of Bonavista Bay, near Spillars Cove and Elliston. Here, towering cliffs rise from the sea, and the ocean is often dotted with the bright beaks of puffins. In those rolling swells, Johnathan glided with calm might, weaving his tale into the tapestry of the coast. Some heard the old stories of humpbacks passing, but few are lucky enough to add a new page to the record.
It’s a curious thing—a whale like Johnathan might travel hundreds of kilometres in just weeks, slipping between bays and coves as he pleases. No fence or border can keep his big ideas at bay.
Have you seen Johnathan? If you’ve spotted him gliding beneath the cliffs or rising in a sheltered bay, your photos or notes could help continue his tale and deepen our knowledge of these wandering giants. Every sighting adds a piece to the great puzzle of migration and marine life here in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Humpback whales can travel up to 8,000 kilometres each year during their migrations—talk about going the distance for a proper meal!
Mobile Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
June 30, 2026
Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
July 18, 2026
This is Happywhale's real data for this whale. The story above was generated based on these details, and a few creative assumptions.
Now that you've met Johnathan, introduce them to your friends! Share this page directly below or to post as a social media story. Use #HelloHumpbackNL in your post to stay connected to all the other whale stories from Newfoundland and Labrador's coasts.
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By submitting to Happywhale, your sighting can become part of Johnathan's data. Not only will it make their story richer for the next time they're spotted, but you'll become part of a global citizen science effort to better understand our oceans and the humpback whales that call them home.
